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The interplay between knowledge, perceived efficacy, and concern about global warming and climate change: a one-year
1School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand. taciano.milfont@vuw.ac.nz
Summary
Increased knowledge about global warming and climate change boosts public concern, which in turn enhances perceived personal efficacy for mitigation actions. This finding is crucial for effective climate change communication strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental psychology
- Climate change communication
- Public opinion research
Background:
- Achieving global warming targets necessitates substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions.
- Public support and political leadership are vital for implementing climate mitigation actions.
- Understanding public knowledge, concern, and personal efficacy is key to fostering support for climate action.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the longitudinal relationships between public knowledge, concern, and perceived personal efficacy regarding global warming and climate change.
- To determine the mediating role of concern in the relationship between knowledge and efficacy over time.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study utilizing national data from New Zealand.
- Data collected across three waves over a one-year period.
- Statistical analysis to assess associations and mediation between knowledge, concern, and efficacy.
Main Results:
- A stable and consistent positive association was found between knowledge, concern, and personal efficacy across all data points.
- Concern was identified as a mediator, influencing the relationship between knowledge and personal efficacy.
- Increased knowledge about climate change risks led to greater concern, subsequently enhancing perceived efficacy and responsibility.
Conclusions:
- Public knowledge positively influences concern, which is a critical driver of perceived personal efficacy in addressing climate change.
- Findings have significant implications for designing effective risk communication strategies to promote public engagement in climate change mitigation.
- Sustained public support for climate action can be fostered by enhancing both knowledge and concern about global warming.
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